Archive for May 2008

As many of you know, I LOVE to be in the kitchen. And you may also remember my love of gardening – this year is no exception, with almost everything in the ground already. We even had some plants survive the Winter, which for NE Ohio, was very mild. Now, on with the show !

Surviving for a first time were two of the three Rosemary plantings. They normally perish under cover of snow, but these hearty fellows made it through ! So did some Parsley, Oregano, Lemon Thyme and Sage. I’m not saying they grew back this Spring – I was able to use them all Winter ! Not bad when you can cut fresh herbs in the middle of “The Off Season” as I call it.

Returning for yet another year also are Chives, Leeks, Green Onions, Mint, Strawberries and others. We were also pleasantly surprised to see that our Mesclun Mix (salad greens) came back – right now we could probably make side salads for ten, and we’re just getting started ! Slim planted a “Butterfly Garden” last year, and the Lavender is doing well, along with Chamomile and other fragrants.

Along with the typical crops : Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash, Zucchini, Peppers, Eggplant & Basil, we have added Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts – yep, Brussels Sprouts. I put my own twist on Sprouts, so don’t cringe just yet. I don’t boil them or steam them like our ancestors – mine are excellent ! I cut them in half, saute them in Peanut Oil with Salt & Pepper until the outside begins to carmelize, then finish them with Butter – Yummo !

We are also adding Grapes this year. Eventually I’d like to make wine, but for now they’re just for eating. I plan on trying my hand at cheese making, sausage making and Charcuterie (dry curing meats – think Salami and Sopressata) at some point. It would be amazing to serve our friends & family a complete non-vegetarian meal “made” entirely on site, but currently Lakewood does not allow livestock within the city limits. Hmmm…maybe I should run for Mayor…

Update : In a “surprising” turn of events, Vladimir Putin named Prime Minister of Russia

Originally posted in March 2008 : As some of you may know, there is a very important transfer of power about to take place in the former Soviet Union. They are holding “elections” today to elect a new President – how exciting ! When Russia, China and others hold elections for top leadership there are worldwide ramifications. A superpower having a changing of the guard is normally a big deal, but not this time. It seems the resurgent Russian Bear is back to her old ways.

Vladimir Putin, the current President, basically hand-picked his successor – Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev is “running” for President, and has the “support” of Putin. If Medvedev wins, he will appoint Putin as his Prime Minister, thus leaving him in power. Most agree that the President will basically be a “figurehead” – as is the case in this country – and that Putin will continue to wield vast amounts of power in his new role as PM. It’s no secret that Putin is power hungry – this just confirms it beyond the shadow of a doubt.

The Putin administration “allegedly” oppressed (suppressed ?) the competition to the point that labor leaders are making their members phone in after they leave the polling places to confirm that they voted for Medvedev “or else”. Children were sent home with literature to help persuade parents to vote for Medvedev. Opposition party workers were harassed to stop working for their candidate. The government has raided campaign offices, closed newspapers, and frozen bank accounts. Looks like an old dog “has returned to it’s vomit”. Welcome to Cold War v. 2.0…